Fred B. Spatz

BARTON, POLL, SPATZ, WEBBER

Posted By: Judy Wight Branson (email)
Date: 8/13/2004 at 13:14:40

One of the highly respected residents of Earlham is Fred B. Spatz, who was born in Dallas county, Iowa, June 23, 1871, a son of Frederick and Elizabeth (Webber) Spatz, both of whom were born in Germany. In 1854 they left the fatherland and came to the United States, locating for a time in New York. They then removed to Illinois and in 1859 removed to Dallas county, Iowa, where the father bought two hundred and ten acres of land in Boone township. It was timbered when it came into his possession, but he was not discouraged by the necessity of first clearing it and began its improvement at once. At length he had a fine farm cleared and under cultivation. He continued to farm until called to the Great Beyond on the 14th of July, 1907, at the age of eighty years, two months and four days. His widow died on the 21st of October, 1911, when she had reached the age of eighty years, two months and five days, living to be just one day older than was her husband at the time of his demise. Mr. Spatz gave indisputable proof of his allegiance to his adopted country by enlisting in Company K, Fifteenth Iowa Volunteer Infantry, in the defense of the Union. He served for ten months and was wounded in the battle of Shiloh, losing one eye and his hearing.

Fred B. Spatz was reared and educated in his native county and remained with his parents until he attained his majority. He then began working as a farm hand and for fourteen years and three months was in the employ of one man, a record which implies the faithfulness and efficiency of his service. From year to year he gained in agricultural knowledge and as he was frugal his resources also increased and he was at length enabled to buy land. His farm was situated on the line between Dallas and Madison counties, a part being- in each county. The buildings, however, were in Dallas county. He operated his farm until the spring of 1914, when he sold that place and purchased one hundred and forty-eight acres southeast of Earlham, which he still operates though he lives in Earlham, where he purchased a fine modern residence. He is not only a well-to-do man but a public-spirited citizen and is highly esteemed.

Mr. Spatz was married February 23, 1891, to Miss Emma Barton, a daughter of George and Ellen (Poll) Barton, natives of England, who upon coming to America located in Dallas county, Iowa. Her father purchased land there and was ranked among the successful farmers of that county, continuing active in agricultural pursuits until his death, which occurred in December, 1903. His wife died in February, 1900. Mr. and Mrs. Spatz have two children, Pearl E. and Raymond P., both at home.
The political allegiance of Mr. Spatz is given to the republican party and he has at all times been stanch in his support of its policies and candidates. He does not belong to any church but takes an interest in the work of all denominations and is liberal in his contributions to their support. His attitude upon all the great questions of life is broad and unprejudiced, and he cooperates with any movement that seeks the material or moral welfare of his community.

Taken from the book, “The History of Madison County, Iowa, 1915”